Cleaning 101 from The Steam Team of Austin Texas

Spring Cleaning Austin TX

Having both carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned can make quite a difference in your home. Not only is everything clean and sanitized, but pairing these two chores does wonders for brightening up your environment! Below you’ll find a few simple ways to clean and care for your upholstered furniture- so hopefully while we’re out to clean your carpet, we can tackle your upholstery, as well!

Avoid Placing Upholstered Furniture in Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can be harmful to our furniture, as it causes the fabric to fade and discolor. Avoid placing upholstery near bright, sunny windows, and rotate cushions periodically.

Vacuum to Remove Dust, Crumbs, Etc

Especially if you have children, crumbs seem to find their way into every crevice of the couch. Even if you vacuum the surface of your upholstered furniture, you’ll often have to remove cushions to get t

o the root of the issue. You certainly don’t want ants and other “creepy crawlies,” feeling attracted to your couches and loveseats…

Clean Stains- Spot Test First!

When it comes to your precious (expensive…) furniture, it’s better to be safe than sorry. With any cleaning solution it’s best to perform a spot test before moving forward. Test an inconspicuous area of the furniture first (on the bottom, or backside of the piece) to make sure that the solution is appropriate. And of course, don’t waste your time with solutions that aren’t made specifically for upholstered furniture.

When in Doubt, Call the Steam Team

The Steam Team can help by treating your upholstery with a fabric protectant! We strongly encourage our customers to contact us about how they can preserve their beautiful, treasured pieces of furniture and keep stains, pets, and traffic from damaging their appearance. Not only does our fabric protectant help to resist spills, but it also protects against ultraviolet radiation. So don’t hesitate to give us a call today! Our phone number can be found here! 

Carpet Cleaning: Stains Don't Have to be Permanent

Austin Carpet Cleaning By The Steam Team

Whether it’s your home, office, or home-office that these pesky stains plague the carpet, The Steam Team is here to take care of the problem! We are the number one choice in Austin, Texas.

Thankfully, we no longer necessarily have to conceal our embarrassing carpet stains with area rugs, runners, or furniture, even! Those days are long gone. Fortunately, professionals are out there just waiting to assist you in eradicating even the deepest of carpet stains- and you’d be so pleased (surprised, even) with the results!

Steam Cleaning to Remove Stains

Why is this method preferred over other methods? Well, it’s simple. With a professional-grade steam cleaner which uses nothing but heated water and impressive pressure, dirt, dust, debris, and other nasty particles are extracted from deep within the fibers of your carpet. Not much with withstand The Steam Team’s intensity.

If you’re worried about how this method will affect your carpet still, The Steam Team will perform a spot-test on an inconspicuous area of your flooring, just to be sure. We won’t begin the process until we know everything will be safe, and that you’ll be satisfied with the results. But don’t forget- steam cleaning is entirely safe for the environment as it lacks the usage of harsh chemicals.

Odor Neutralization

Here’s some rather gross imagery for you: those odors that naturally embed into your carpet over the years? Well, every time we walk upon the carpet, they’re pushed into the air! But luckily The Steam Team can help with odor neutralization also! We use the latest technology, years of experience and expertise, and customer service that will have you calling us back for more, every time!

Struggling with stubborn carpet stains or troublesome, intrusive odors? Don’t hesitate to give us a call. The Steam Team will gladly come out to your home and help dispel these pests completely.

Cleaning: What You Need to Know

Cleaning Company In Austin

So you’ve finally bought the sofa that you and your love have been saving up for (saving for far too long, it seems). Here at The Steam Team, we trust that you’ve done your research and have a general idea of how to care for this stunning piece of furniture, but just in case, we’d like to review the basics of how to properly clean and protect your fabric. So stay tuned, and keep that sofa looking gorgeous!

When it comes to cleaning your furniture, there are a few things you should know to avoid: Bleach, Ammonia-Based Cleaners, etc.

Unfortunately the cleaning process isn’t as simple as wiping your sofa with a soapy cloth! We have to be careful with the materials that we’re using- both the solution, and the cloth.These cleaners, along with anything that isn’t specified to treat leather should all be avoided.

Once you’ve found the proper cleaning solution and supplies, it’s time to begin! First, vacuum your sofa thoroughly and carefully. This is to avoid dust and dirt from rubbing into the fabric as you clean and protect. Most commercial vacuum cleaners have attachments and special brushes that will do the job.

If you haven’t found a commercial cleaning product that you like, it is safe to use a mixture of water and white vinegar. Vinegar is a reliable cleaner, and completely safe for the environment as well! Beginning from the top, work your way down, using a dampened microfiber cloth to gently clean the surface of your sofa. Make sure to rinse the cloth whenever it’s necessary. Dry your sofa with a fresh towel, and apply your favorite leather conditioner!

For help cleaning your furniture or for any other cleaning and restoration service, contact The Steam Team! Our team of skilled professionals are always standing by, eager to help you out!

Who Does Clean Up After Construction?

Cleaning up in Austin

Construction work is never easy. From making the plans, getting the permits, hiring help, and finally breaking ground on a project, it seems like an impossible feat. So when your walls are up, your remodeling is finished, and your project is complete -- you want to start experiencing your hard work right away.

The only problem? Everywhere you look there’s a mess. Whether it’s scraps of old wood, sawdust covering everything, or pieces of materials you don’t even remember using, the cleanup process can be just as grueling as the work. So, whose job is it to clean up after construction?

Who’s Responsible?

You most likely know the answer, but that doesn’t mean you’ll like it. Most construction companies are hired for the work, but after that last nail is in place, they’re out of there. And the cost to hire a one-stop-shop type of company? It’s enough to make your head spin!

Which means that you’re left with the backbreaking task of tediously cleaning all of the debris.

What Can You Do?

In this case, you have two choices: You can either clean the site yourself, or you can call in the professionals.

The Steam Team is skilled in all things construction cleanup. We’re pros at getting all of the dangerous scraps cleared away, all of the particles swept up, and making your new space look (and feel) spic and span! We’re happy to sweep the floors, make sure the environment is safe, and turn your new site into the dazzling location of your dreams.

So as you’re planning your new home addition or office space, don’t forget to plan what happens after the hammers stop. Let someone else deal with the messy cleanup, and enjoy the space the way it was meant to be: shiny, clean, and ready to be lived in.

5 Tips from the Experts About Water Damage Restoration

Water Damage in Austin, TX

Fire and Water are one of the most devastating disasters a home, office, or building can experience.  While you’re trying to get your life back in order, it’s only natural do want to be hands-on as soon as possible. The only problem is that sometimes that’s not the best idea. Here are five tips about fire and water damage restoration that’s sure to minimize damage and get your life back in order.

1. Avoid Making The Damage Worse

It can be easy to go into a frenzy when you’re faced with an unimaginable tragedy. You’re scared, confused, and just want to make things right – we get it. When you’re faced with fire damage, however, sometimes less is more. Limit movement to avoid spreading soot, cover carpet and upholstery with clean towels, and try not to stress – everything will be okay.

2. Plan Your Next Steps

Before you start the cleaning or restoration process, call the professionals. The Steam Team is trained in all things fire and water restoration related in Austin, Texas. You can rest easy knowing that the best people in the business are here to help get your life back to normal.

3. Fix What You Can But Only What You Should

While you might want to take a crack at fixing the damage yourself, it’s not only unrealistic, but it can also be unsafe and cause more destruction. Feel free to change your HVAC filter and clean out your refrigerator if the power is out, but leave the rest to the professionals. Water damage in Austin, Texas can be devastating. 

4. Be Wary Of Cleaning

Sometimes cleaning can be a mistake instead of making things better. Don’t try to wash your walls or carpet before contacting The Steam Team to evaluate the situation. Avoid cleaning electrical appliances that have been close to fire, heat, or water, and don’t send clothes to the cleaner so that the smoke doesn’t set in the fabric. For now, think less is more.

5. Be Careful

Last but not least, be extremely careful when moving around the dwelling and using appliances and furniture. Don’t turn on the ceiling fans if the ceiling is wet, and don’t eat any packaged food that could have been exposed to smoke.

If you’re dealing with fire damage or water damage, call The Steam Team and have peace of mind knowing that we’ve got it from here. Your Central Texas headquarters. 

Cleaning 101 from The Steam Team of Austin, Texas

Cleaning in Austin Texas

Having both carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned can make quite a difference in your home. Not only is everything clean and sanitized, but pairing these two chores does wonders for brightening up your environment! Below you’ll find a few simple ways to clean and care for your upholstered furniture- so hopefully while we’re out to clean your carpet, we can tackle your upholstery, as well!

Avoid Placing Upholstered Furniture in Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can be harmful to our furniture, as it causes the fabric to fade and discolor. Avoid placing upholstery near bright, sunny windows, and rotate cushions periodically.

Vacuum to Remove Dust, Crumbs, Etc

Especially if you have children, crumbs seem to find their way into every crevice of the couch. Even if you vacuum the surface of your upholstered furniture, you’ll often have to remove cushions to get t

o the root of the issue. You certainly don’t want ants and other “creepy crawlies,” feeling attracted to your couches and loveseats…

Clean Stains- Spot Test First!

When it comes to your precious (expensive…) furniture, it’s better to be safe than sorry. With any cleaning solution it’s best to perform a spot test before moving forward. Test an inconspicuous area of the furniture first (on the bottom, or backside of the piece) to make sure that the solution is appropriate. And of course, don’t waste your time with solutions that aren’t made specifically for upholstered furniture.

When in Doubt, Call the Steam Team

The Steam Team can help by treating your upholstery with a fabric protectant! We strongly encourage our customers to contact us about how they can preserve their beautiful, treasured pieces of furniture and keep stains, pets, and traffic from damaging their appearance. Not only does our fabric protectant help to resist spills, but it also protects against ultraviolet radiation. So don’t hesitate to give us a call today!

The Plight of Dirty Carpets and How To Clean it?

Expert Carpet Cleaning In Austin

When a new pet arrives to your home, “house-breaking,” is typically the first stage of training. This is not an easy process by any means! All puppies are bound to have accidents, no matter how well they’re doing in their training. Sometimes mere excitement causes them to have a minor accident- but this pattern causes many problems for our carpet, doesn’t it?

Pet urine is notorious for soaking through the carpet, the carpet backing, and into the carpet padding. This is where the true problem lies. But don’t fret- The Steam Team is perfectly equipped to handle this issue. Not only can we help to remove the urine from your carpet, but we can also eradicate those pesky odors that seem to linger long after cleaning! So don’t fret over Fido’s faults- just call The Steam Team!

Carpet Cleaning

Because urine so easily soils the carpet padding, odors can be even more tough to remove. Not only is this an issue, but it can also cause bacteria to develop and spread: something you definitely want to take care of (steam cleaning is best for this process)..

In many cases, The Steam Team’s Austin carpet cleaning routine is a more-than-adequate treatment. We can apply an enzymatic urine neutralizer to eliminate odors. We’ll extract urine particles from the fibers of your carpet using our professional equipment, expertise, and years of knowledge and experience. We’re confident we can restore your flooring to its cleaner, more pristine condition, using just hot water, and high water pressure.

Because we understand how frustrating urine odors and stains can be, we encourage our clients not to delay- but to call our team of professionals ASAP! So don’t be shy; give us a call today. You won’t regret your decision, as our results will blow you away (as well as those nasty odors…)!

5 Ways to Keep Flooring Looking Fabulous in Austin, TX

Cleaning Austin, TX

Your flooring may already look fabulous to you, but who knows what’s truly lurking against the grain of those beautiful planks? Dirt and dust can hide quite inconspicuously. Not to

mention, at some point in time, a wet mop will have to make its way out of the cleaning closet (for best results, that is). Below, you’ll find five ways to care for your hardwood flooring!

Dust Weekly with Microfiber Cloth or Dry Mop

Dust seems to attack from all corners of the house: the back door, the front, foot traffic, our animals… it even cycles around beneath ceiling fans. Try dry dusting with a microfiber cloth (so that the dust sticks, and doesn’t spread!) or even better- with a dry mop!

Vacuum Regularly

We’re not talking about carpet, here. In fact, many vacuums function on hardwood floor, as they come with a setting suitable for bare floor. If you don’t have time to dry mop or dust often, we suggest finding a vacuum cleaner suitable for your hardwood. It can save time and so much energy!

Use a Wet Mop

It’s unavoidable, especially if you spot a neglected spill. Before using a wet mop, make sure you’ve prepared properly by purchasing the correct floor cleaner. Using a solution that isn’t designed for hardwood can cause damage, or at the least, smudging and obvious track marks!

Clean Spills Immediately

Rule #1 of cleaning: if it spills, it stays… until somebody comes to clean it up. To keep your hardwood flooring looking clean and pristine, tackle spills and stains right away! Don’t let them settle onto the flooring- it’ll only be more difficult to clean in the long run.

Call The Steam Team!

If properly cared for, hardwood floors can last forever. Every one to three years or so, The Steam Team can assist you in deep-cleaning your floors. Or if you’re in need of a hardwood floor refinishing, we’ve got your back! Don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re available around the clock!

The ABC's of Caring for Marble Tile Around Your House in Austin, Texas

Marble & Ceramic Tile Cleaning 

Marble is a beautiful material that is millions of years old, and used to create gorgeous kitchen flooring, bathroom tiles, shower tiles, and more. The important thing when it comes to installing marble in your home is the upkeep. Below, we’ll briefly discuss the “ABC’s,” of caring for marble just to give you a simple background and help you keep your marble flooring and tiles looking marvelous. We are the professionals to call for all types of tile cleaning in Austin, Tx.

So here’s what you need to know:

1. Use Products Designed for Marble

Many times we’ve warned our clients about the dangers of using cleaning solutions that aren’t meant for the materials needing to be sanitized. By using the proper cleaning solution (or by calling in The Steam Team…), you can avoid etching and dulling your marble surfaces/floorings.

B) Clean Spills Immediately

This one is a no brainer, but it’s incredibly difficult to follow through! Still, we must do our best. Marble is a porous surface, so if stains are left too long before cleaned, they can sink into the surface and cause more permanent damage. In the kitchen, watch out for acids that spew from fruits, juices, or even coffee. Use coasters on your countertops or kitchen islands to avoid stains and obnoxious rings.

C) Protect Your Marble

In the living room, or kitchen/dining areas, it’s best to protect your marble flooring by using area rugs and runners. This can be especially helpful in high-traffic areas, where the flooring endures the most wear and tear. If your rugs are having difficulty staying in place, gripper mats can be found almost anywhere- department stores, grocery stores, etc.

Above all, contact The Steam Team to learn more about properly caring for your marble, or for a professional cleaning. You can trust that we’ll work diligently to restore your marble flooring, tile, countertops, etc, and keep them looking as they should: flawless. We clean all types of tile including ceramic, travertine and many others. 

Carpet Cleaning: Let's Discuss Drying Time in Austin, Texas

Carpet & Rug Cleaning in Austin, TX

Perhaps your carpet is in need of a professional’s advice and attention! Whether it be mud stains from the new puppy (so, maybe that isn’t mud…?), traffic stains, or general wear and tear, The Steam Team’s trained professionals are always here to help! We’ll briefly discuss our cleaning process, but today we mainly want to focus on drying time! Obviously carpet cleaning requires the usage of water/moisture, which begs the question: how long should the carpet take to dry, and is my flooring at risk for mold growth?

Our Cleaning Process

In the home or office, it doesn’t matter how soiled the carpet has become. In most cases we can restore your flooring to its original condition. Our high-powered, professional-grade equipment will use nothing but intense heat and water pressure to extract dirt, debris, and stains from your carpet.

Our Drying Process

Of course, your carpet will not dry instantly, despite our cleaning methods. And we understand that you’ll want to return to your daily routines as quickly as possible- so we recommend walking barefoot across your carpet, with clean feet! You shouldn’t expect your carpet to be anything but damp- not soaked, or sopping with moisture. So as long as your feet are clean, if you must, you may walk through your home or office without risk.

We can expedite the drying process by placing box fans throughout the room, or by turning on ceiling fans. Just make sure your ceiling fans are clean, as well, to avoid dust from falling onto your freshly steam cleaned carpet! And since this process won’t take long at all- there’s no reason to worry about mold growth.

The Steam Team is the leading carpet cleaner of Austin, TX, and is always happy to come out to your home or place of business, to clean your carpet with not only enthusiasm, but also with professionalism, and expertise. If you’re in need of a professional cleaning- just give us a call!

Steam Team: All About Overflow Cleanup in Austin, Texas

Water & Fire Damage Contents Storage Austin, Texas

The Steam Team has been voted best in Austin, TX for cleaning and restoration services. We’re available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, to help with anything from carpet and tile cleaning, to overflow cleanup. Let’s go over the services we offer when it comes to overflow- whether it be from your sinks, appliances, or toilets!

Plumbing Overflow

Whether it’s your business or residential home, we understand how stressful it can be when the pipes burst and the floors are flooded with water. That’s only one reason why we’re available 24/7- so that you don’t have to wait or worry. We can help with any severity of water damage by assessing the damage, sanitizing the area, restoring any structural damage, all the while carefully monitoring the entire process.

Appliance Leaks

This one is pretty common, friends! Of course, it’s best to routinely monitor any appliances that hold or filter water- but we know how quickly and easily life takes over. We forget about those potential leaky appliances… until we’re calling The Steam Team, right?

Our team of trained professionals will assess the damage, and offer assistance with appliances such as your washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, sink, AC unit, and your water heater. Once the leak is repaired and the water is extracted, we’ll thoroughly clean, sanitize, and dry the area with our professional-grade equipment. Problem solved!

Sink & Drain Overflow

Sink and drain overflow could be caused by a clogged sink, backed up garbage disposal, or a busy, multitasking homeowner who’s forgotten to turn the faucet off- oops! We’ve all been there.

Even if you discover the issue in the middle of the night- we’ll be there to help you clean, sanitize, and dry the affected area.

The Steam Team is ready and willing to help you cleanup any type of overflow and water damage, regardless of the appliance. Don’t be shy- give us a call!

Who is the best cleaning company in Austin, Texas?

Best Cleaning Company in Austin, Tx

Who is the best cleaning company in Austin, Texas?

We were voted best cleaning company in Austin by the Austin Monthly and here is why. So you’ve recently arrived home from your hardware or home-decor store, and you’ve installed your brand new, stunning venetian blinds. They’re much better than the cheaper, flimsy blinds that once plagued your living and dining room, right? Your home is bright, beautiful, and you’ve found the privacy you’ve been searching for. So how do you maintain them? After all, blinds of any type are notorious for collecting dirt and dust.

Here at The Steam Team, we’d like to offer our assistance for maintaining your new venetian blinds! Of course there are quite a few methods of keeping them clean- but don’t worry, we’ll keep it nice and simple for you.

1. Dry Dusting

Sure, it’s messy and frustrating, but this may be where you want to start, especially if your new blinds haven’t collected too much grime yet. To make things easier on yourself, use an adequate dusting cloth. This means, find a cloth that collects the dust and doesn’t let it wander into the air, or back onto the blinds! These cloths can be found just about anywhere (grocery stores, walmarts, etc). Slide the cloth back and forth in a controlled motion.

2. Steam Cleaning

Come on, you had to know that we’d suggest steam cleaning at some point in this blog! But truly- this is the best, most thorough method of cleaning we can offer. And yes- we’re experts! If your blinds have been splashed with grease, or are just too dirty for a dust cloth to handle, you’ll know that this is the way to go. If you’re using your own personal steam cleaning device, then great! If you don’t own one and would prefer not to rent, then contact The Steam Team to tackle this project for you.

Also, don’t forget! The Steam Team can take care of your draperies while we’re helping out with your blinds. We’ll either use a dry cleaning process, or a low-moisture hot water extraction method of cleaning- and we can often clean them without removing them. Even better, right? So don’t hesitate; give us a call today!

Time to Spring Clean the Office in Austin,Tx

Best Cleaning Company Austin, Texas

No matter what your day-job may be, keeping your office clean is of the utmost importance! Even if your office is adjacent to your living room, you want to work in a clean and pristine environment. A messy, cluttered, and dirty office can affect your health, mood, and inevitably, your productivity! So let’s discuss ways in which we can keep our offices as clean as possible!

Start Off On the Right Foot: Call the Pro’s

We know your first instinct is to grab your own mop, broom, and cleaning solutions- and that’s okay! You can certainly do a lot of good using products around the house, or around the workplace. However, by hiring a professional steam cleaning and restoration company, you’ll be miles ahead of the game, and you won’t have to worry about the process at all.

The Steam Team Carpet Cleaning has been serving Austin, TX since 1983. Meaning, we know our stuff! Give us a call anytime and let us lift the burden from you. If it’s your carpet that needs the most attention, no problem. We pay extra attention to detail, and will spot-test, remove stains, and groom your carpet to its prime condition.

Worried About the Budget? Worry No More!

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that The Steam Team has a commercial carpet maintenance program that will suit your company’s budget. From stain removal, to spot-testing, to odor neutralization, we’ll cover every corner. We understand that first impressions are everything- no business can run from that truth! If your office carpet has been treated by The Steam Team, your customers will already be closer to your side than, well, the back door.

So as we spring into this upcoming season, consider having your home or commercial office treated by the pro’s- The Steam Team. Give us a call anytime! We know you’ll be overly satisfied with our results.

How Often Should You Clean Drapery and Carpets?

Best Carpet Cleaning Austin

It’s easy to forget about curtains and blinds when you’re cleaning the house, but window treatments can get just as dusty and dirty as your furniture or carpets!

How often you clean your window treatments depends on how quickly you notice your house gets dirty in general, right? Here are some expert tips on knowing how often to clean your drapes.

Gauge how often you clean your drapery by how often you need to clean the rest of your house.  

If you are able to get away with a good top-to-bottom cleaning once a month, then there’s no reason to make the time to clean your drapery more often than that. If your household requires a good cleaning once a week, then tend to your drapery more frequently along with everything else. Carpet cleaning should be done regularly. 

Use the right cleaning method to avoid damaging your drapery and keep them cleaner, longer.

If the curtains are a delicate material or sheer, usually a good shake will do the job (but do this before you vacuum and mop the floors, of course!). Be sure to dust along the top of the curtains and curtain rod, too, using a duster or the nozzle attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

For heavier-weight curtains, be sure to check the care instructions. Machine-washable drapery can be steam cleaned, saving you the time and hassle involved in removing the curtains and washing and ironing them. Plus, calling in the professionals will take the entire task right off your hands!

Here at The Steam Team, we specialize in steam cleaning upholstery, flooring, and yes -- even window treatments or carpet cleaning. If you haven’t paid attention to your curtains recently, now’s the time! Give us a call today.

Do You Need to Rent Drying Equipment?

Restoration Drying Equipment

Steam cleaning has become a popular, environmentally-friendly cleaning method. It uses only heat and water to thoroughly clean and sanitize a variety of surfaces, including flooring, countertops, drapery, furniture, even pet beds and mattresses.  

How does steam cleaning work?

Steam cleaning uses water heated past the boiling point to clean dirt, debris, and contaminants, including bacteria, mold, and allergens. A floor wand shoots pressurized water onto the surface which is then immediately vacuumed into a holding tank. The high temperature of the water is what cleans and sanitizes at the same time. Also, by using only water, no additional chemicals are required to achieve a thorough and effective cleaning.

Does steam cleaning require separate drying equipment?

If done right, steam cleaning does not require the additional use of drying equipment. The water is hot enough to evaporate quickly, and efficient steam-cleaning equipment vacuums up excess water as you clean. Most professional steam-cleaners have a truck-mounted system, which is the preferable choice for shorter drying times. A truck-mounted system is able to use higher pressure and hotter temperatures, and it exhausts all the air and humidity from your home, leading to faster drying times.    

Buyer—and renter—beware.

The steam cleaners that you can buy or rent yourself often do not have enough suction power to suck up the excess water during the steam cleaning process. Many of the machines for rent are much older, too. Excess water risks the development of mildew. This is particularly a concern with certain types of flooring, such as carpet, where mildew growth could occur out of sight.

The Steam Team proudly offers a wide variety of cleaning and restoration services. From stain removal and carpet cleaning to fire and water damage restoration, The Steam Team has what it takes to complete any project! Contact us today to talk about your cleaning needs. Our team of experts would be pleased to assist you!

A Cleaning Method Using Eco-Friendly Products

Rug Cleaning In Austin, Tx

Consumers today are more aware of the potential environmental impact of the products and services they use. As a result, steam cleaning has become an increasingly popular method of cleaning thanks to its eco-friendliness. Using only water and heat, it is able to clean and sanitize most things, from carpet, vinyl, and tile flooring to drapery and furniture.

How is steam cleaning eco-friendly?

• Only water is used for a thorough, efficient cleaning—without any harsh chemicals. Steam cleaning uses water heated past the boiling point to clean dirt and debris, as well as bacteria, mold, and other allergens. The high temperature of the water does double-duty, cleaning and sanitizing. No additional chemicals need to be added to the water to achieve a thorough and effective cleaning.

• No drying equipment. Drying equipment draws a lot of power. But the water used in steam cleaning is hot enough to evaporate quickly, leading to shorter drying times. Also, a good steam cleaner vacuums up excess moisture from the surface as you clean, immediately sucking it into a holding tank. Most professional steam-cleaners have a truck-mounted system which is even more efficient at removing excess water than a home unit.

• Less water usage. Because a steam cleaner uses steam instead of water, it doesn’t require a lot of water to do the job. More specifically, it uses “dry” steam vapor, which is a high-temperature, low-moisture vapor containing only 5-6% water. This vapor system can produce thousands of gallons of dry steam from only 1.5 quarts of water—per hour! Beware products claiming to be steam cleaners that do not use the vapor system. Their water usage will be much higher.       

The Steam Team proudly offers a wide variety of cleaning and restoration services. From stain removal and carpet cleaning to fire and water damage restoration, The Steam Team has what it takes to complete any project! Contact us today to talk about your cleaning needs. Our team of experts would be pleased to assist you!

Steam Team: What to Know About Carpet Cleaning

Cleaning Service

When it comes to the cons of installing carpet in your home, the inevitable stains, spills, rips, and shedding are just the tip of the iceberg. What’s worse, you ask? A carpet’s shrinkage.

We know- before you read this blog, you had no idea that carpet could shrink, and you’re immediately frustrated that your once perfect living room floor could someday be very much so imperfect. Fortunately, we’re here to take the edge off. We’ll explain why carpet shrinkage occurs, and how you can avoid this potential-problem altogether!

Causes of Carpet Shrinkage

Carpet shrinkage has everything to do with the carpet’s moisture content. For instance, a change in ambient humidity levels, or the carpet being overly-wet during a cleaning could cause shrinkage or expansion. Naturally, outdoor carpet is even more prone to shrinking if not installed correctly.

Don’t worry- if your carpet was properly installed, it shouldn’t shrink or expand, but it’s still wise to know the signs. Are the seams in your carpet splitting? Is your carpet pulling itself away from the room’s perimeter?

Professional Care vs DIY

The DIY debate will always be around. It’s easy to consider cleaning your carpets yourself, with a multitude of online resources at your fingertips. But as a leading professional steam cleaning company in Austin, TX- we always encourage our customers to have their carpets professionally treated at least once a year (depending on the amount of traffic your flooring endures).

And of course, if you suspect your carpet is shrinking or you’d like to ensure your new carpet is installed properly, don’t hesitate to contact the pro’s. The Steam Team has the knowledge, experience, and equipment to make sure your project begins and ends smoothly. Give us a call today!

Cleaning & Restoring the Outdoor Patio with Concrete Staining

Cleaning 

It’s mid-winter; we’re covering plants, igniting our fireplaces, and hunkering down beneath blankets and throws. In our sleep, we can’t help but dream of sun shining days, clear skies, blossoming flowers- and of course- we dream of admiring it all from our picturesque patios.

Spring will be here before we know it. As you’re preparing your home for the change in season, consider extending your efforts to the patio- (where the porch swing awaits, ready for daydreamy visits). A concrete staining is a simple, yet effective way of revamping an old stain job, or changing the atmosphere altogether.

It’s Cost Efficient

Often times, the cost of remodeling, repairing, etc is the most daunting part of beginning a project, but concrete staining is more cost-efficient than most people understand. That’s why we encourage homeowners to have their concrete floors professionally cleaned, and then stained- instead of having them replaced altogether!

It Makes a Difference!

Flooring has a major influence in a room’s aesthetic appeal, and this is no less true outdoors, on the patio. Staining the concrete is a relatively simple way to alter the atmosphere on your patio- you can change the color, shade, or even brightness and tint!

It’s Not Permanent

Concrete staining is not permanent; it’s relatively easy to reverse its effect by layering the flooring with a different shade. A professional cleaning and restoration company can easily do this for you!

With years of experience tackling a wide array of projects, The Steam Team is  your number one choice for cleaning and restoration in Austin, Texas! Our team of experts have over a decade of knowledge and experience, and with the help of our industrial-strength equipment, can complete any project around your home or office! From concrete staining, to tile and grout cleaning, to air duct and upholstery sanitizing, The Steam Team can do it all!

Cleaning: How to Spot Treat the Most Stubborn Stains

Smoke Damage 

There’s simply no way to catch every toppling wine glass, or every muddy paw before it reaches our beautiful, once-flawless carpet. So what can we do to treat these pesky carpet stains?

Pets

Oftentimes, urine stains are left behind after house training sessions, or muddy pawprints plague our entryways. To start, urine stains must always be treated with an enzymatic cleaner. As for mud, vacuum the solid pieces first, and thoroughly dry the carpet. Afterward, combine a teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid with warm water, and blot away!

Wine & Grape Juice

The dining room, the carpet beneath the bedside table, or even the living room: all common places for wine stains! To treat these stains, soak a sponge in a mixture of one tablespoon of ammonia, and two cups of warm water. Blot the stain, and rinse with cold water after it’s been removed.

Bodily Fluids

Blood and vomit will likely require a professional’s attention. But until these pro’s arrive, layer the affected area with a coat of baking soda. This will help to reduce the foul odor that’s likely oozing from the stain.

Coffee

Coffee stains- the typical light-brownish-yellowish patches that are found near desks, or on kitchen rugs. Try applying your own mixture of dishwasher detergent and white vinegar. Blot the stain, as opposed to rubbing!

Ink

Pens break frequently and we’re lucky if the ink misses our clothing on its way down to our once-pristine office carpeting! Ink can be removed by applying rubbing alcohol to a white cloth, and blotting the area until the cloth comes back clean.

If you’ve given these tactics a try without success, consider calling your local carpet cleaning service, or restoration company, but certainly don’t let those stains sit any longer. The Steam Team is made up of experienced technicians who can restore your carpet to its previous condition. Call today!

Hardwood Flooring: To Replace, or Refinish?

Hardwood Floor Cleaning In Austin Texas

While hardwood flooring looks beautiful in our homes, it certainly takes a beating throughout its lifetime. Between staining, warping, chipping and dinging, it’s difficult to stay on top of the wear and tear! At a certain point something must be done to the flooring itself, and we don’t just mean deep cleaning. Sometimes either the hardwood needs to be replaced, or refinished!

Let us start by saying that it is almost always preferable to refinish your hardwood, instead of outright replacing the flooring. But why is this? And when do we know to replace our flooring, instead of giving it a mere “face lift?” We’ll answer these questions below, as well as explain the benefits of hiring a professional to care for your home!

Refinishing

If you’re looking to brighten or alter the color of your floorboards, start by refinishing. More drastic changes (like changing the direction of the planks, for instance) require replacing. But otherwise, you’re likely fine with a simple refinishing- and scratches and gouges will improve, too!

How can you tell that you need a refinishing? If you’re cleaning your floors, and it’s no longer doing any good for their appearance; they still seem dull and dingy. Perhaps it’s time!

Replacing

Replacing the flooring is, of course, the more pricy of the two options, although sometimes this is the only option. If the floorboards are warped, for instance, or there are several dings, cracks, and other signs of damage, you’ll likely need a replacement. Hire a professional for this process, as it’s easy to make a mistake and ruin your project (and your pocketbook)!

Calling in the Pro’s

When it comes time to refinish your hardwood flooring, it’s best to contact your local cleaning and restoration company! Doing so can prevent further damage (and more expensive costs). The Steam Team has the best trained technicians for the job- don’t hesitate, give us a call today! Hardwood floor cleaning in Austin, Texas.